Advanced/Advanced Subsidiary GCE Drama & Theatre Studies

Advanced/Advanced Subsidiary GCE Drama & Theatre Studies

Entry Requirements
5 GCSE grades A-C including English Language. Although not essential a C or above in Drama, Performing Arts or English Literature would be an advantage.

About the Course

In Drama and Theatre studies you will experience a variety of forms and styles of Drama. This will range from exploring the plays of William Shakespeare to more experimental forms of modern theatre. Within Theatre Studies you will also gain experience in taking on roles, making choices, and working with others in a practical context.

An important focus of the AS course is bringing to life two contrasting theatre texts. You will explore characters and situations in practical sessions and look at staging, lighting, sound and costume. You will write about the structure of the plays you have studied, the context in which they were written and performed and how they communicate story and ideas to an audience. In the spring, as well as being involved in a full-scale production, you will have the opportunity to work either on a solo performance or with a partner. As well as working as a performer you can also choose to be involved in theatre design; including costume, lighting or sound. Your performance will be marked by a visiting examiner. During the year, you will be given the opportunity to see live professional theatre at venues like the Bolton Octagon, the Royal Exchange in Manchester and the Lyceum Theatre in Sheffield.

The A2 course will give you the opportunity to produce your own play whilst working in a group. This will involve you contributing ideas and working on all aspects of design. In the summer you will take a written exam which will involve the study of two set texts. One text will be studied from the point of view of a director, whilst the other will ask you to compare how the play would have been originally staged to the staging of the play in a different time period.

Teaching currently takes place in the College's fully equipped theatrical workspace, complete with computerised lighting system and powerful projection system. You will follow the new Edexcel specification. Assessment covers practical and written coursework, a practical examination with a visiting examiner, and an end of course written examination.

Drama and theatre studies is recommended for all students wishing to build a career within the performing arts. The course will also provide an exciting way for you to build both your confidence and your ability to work with other people in a creative context.